BACK TO SCHOOL: First day, online, off to a slow start for Seattle Public Schools

Thanks to the Seattle Public Schools employee who asked us to let students/families know that if they’re having connectivity trouble, it’s not their issue – it’s the district’s. We’ve confirmed this with SPS, whose spokesperson Tim Robinson replied with this statement:

We are currently experiencing slow internet and learning platform access due to the high volume of traffic this morning. This has resulted in disruption of service on district issued laptops. Our technology teams are actively working the issues. We will update this alert when we have a resolution.

– Department of Technology Services

Our tipster had a suggestion for families: “Please reassure your kids that this has nothing to do with their devices, or your home network. Tell them to do the best they can, SPS is working on it.”

Madison mom September 4, 2020 (11:07 am)

I want to say thank you to my kids teachers who are starting off strong and cheerful. So far my 5th grader and 7th grader have had a great start. We knew it was going to be bumpy but our kid’s teachers are staying positive.

Caleigh- SPS teacher September 4, 2020 (11:20 am)

Thank you so much for saying this!!! I know this is not the ideal way to start the year, but teachers are giving it their all right now! It warms my heart that you are having a good experience!
- Teacher Kathleen September 4, 2020 (6:31 pm)
  
  You guys are amazing.

MacJ September 4, 2020 (11:38 am)

Doing IT in this kind of circumstance is so hard. Limited resources, hard deadlines, varying levels of technical knowledge, unknown home network performance. Cheers to the teachers and district IT putting in the work!

Melissa A September 4, 2020 (11:39 am)

My daughter had a great experience at Madison as a 6th grader today! The teaching staff and counselors have been responsive and caring during this difficult time for all of us. Thank you! We appreciate it.

skeeter September 4, 2020 (11:52 am)

Parent of a SPS 4th grader here. We can talk all we want about distance
learning and online tools and best practices for remote learning. But all we’re really doing is throwing 25
kids into a chatroom where they post emojis and memes. I don’t blame kids, parents, or teachers we’re all trying our best. I blame Covid. But if we’re being honest, curriculum-based
learning for any child under the age of 12 will not happen until we get our
children back in the classroom.

Totally disagree September 4, 2020 (4:04 pm)

Not my experience at all with a 4th grader as well. If that was actually happening maybe you should have a chat with the teacher. Our teacher specifically said chat room was for education only. If you take education seriously your children will take education seriously and education can happen online.
K September 4, 2020 (5:35 pm)

100% agree. I was lucky enough to have the day off to assist my 2nd grader on his first day, and it was mind-numbingly unsubstantial. 75% just practicing mute/unmute. I didn’t want to pay attention to that…why would a kid want to sit through 22 other kids taking their turn to practice that, 3 times over. Please, jeebus, let them learn SOMETHING, and I’m not talking about “independence” and “self reliance”.
- Tomas September 4, 2020 (6:32 pm)
  
  same
- Teacher Kathleen September 4, 2020 (6:34 pm)
  
  Actually a lot of first day classes are just that. Repeating a routine and setting expectations–it’s actually critical to learning ANYTHING. Normally parents aren’t there to see it.
- Broken Records September 4, 2020 (7:19 pm)
  
  Not every child has a device, a parent that can afford one or the experience with these types of platforms.
  The whole point of the slow first week introduction is to help kids that might need to learn these types of things for the first time for the sake of equality.
  Patience is a virtue and it’s literally the first day.
  Man, people on here love to bitch and moan. Our kids will need some extra help to get something out of this and it requires the parent to be more involved but they are trying harder than what we had at the end of the school year, so give them a break.
  This is our reality for right now, not forever, so adapt, adjust and see how things go after the first week.
  This is new for everyone and the negativity you all bring to this isn’t doing anything to make things better and your kids will probably pick up on your bad attitudes too.

np September 4, 2020 (12:04 pm)

We thought both the orientation and the first day were really nice! My student feels supported and very excited to be back in school. The student laptop didn’t load but we switched to another device and that did work right away.

WS parent September 4, 2020 (12:08 pm)

They are trying but this is not going to work for the whole year. Please let’s work towards an in person plan by Christmas and hold the district to that. Our kids were meant for in person play and instruction, not zoom fatigue. If schools can host childcare at their facilities and private schools are back in person (along with all day cares) what are we waiting for?!

Anne September 4, 2020 (12:19 pm)

We are waiting for a vaccine.
WSB September 4, 2020 (12:27 pm)

Just to be clear, if you missed all our recent coverage, there are no local independent schools with all-in-person-like-the-pre-pandemic-days plans. Those that have some in-person learning are doing it outdoors and/or in very small, distanced groups.
Totally disagree September 4, 2020 (4:09 pm)

We are waiting for it to be safe. This can totally work if you have a positive attitude about it. Sure there are disadvantages but the children’s education does not need to suffer. This is day 1 and you want to move on….
- WS Parent September 4, 2020 (6:12 pm)
  
  There are many who think it is safe now, with proper protocols. Have there been major outbreaks in preschools and daycare facilities that have been open nation-wide this whole time? I don’t know why others don’t see a problem with the fact that our Public schools are being used now ONLY for Private care and (pay for) daycare programs that administer online classes. There has to be a better way. And I personally don’t want to take a fast track Alpha version of the vaccine or have it forced on my kid to attend public school.
  - R2 September 4, 2020 (7:01 pm)
    
    I had Covid. My son never got sick, but quarantined as per CDC guidelines. He’s in class with your kid. The question is, do you feel lucky?
    - WS parent September 4, 2020 (7:26 pm)
      
      Yes.
    - Anne September 4, 2020 (11:05 pm)
      
      Really? maybe I am misunderstanding your position- YOU feel “lucky” that’s your stance on this-you want to leave it up to luck? What about consideration for others?When it comes to vaccines- I wouldn’t want a “fast tracked” vaccine either-can’t imagine that kind would be forced on students- but do believe that students will have to have the ( deemed safe & effective) vaccine ( as they have to have others) to attend school.
    - WS parent September 5, 2020 (8:20 am)
      
      My position has nothing to do with luck, Anne. There are already kids back in schools in other states in person. Your Covid positive kid (example) is just as much a risk to my kid in a group of 50 at day care (that’s what our schools are being used for right now, that is not hyperbole) as he is to my kid in a class room. I will not wait for Anne or anyone else to tell me when I should feel safe in the world again. What’s really useful here is finding a strategy to educate my kid.
    - Wsparent September 5, 2020 (12:31 pm)
      
      Just to let you know… childcare that housed 50 prior to covid are now limited to 15 and those in schools are taking up a much larger foot print to maintain social distance. If you know of a center or home daycare that is not as limited they are not following the current guidelines

SeaGirl September 4, 2020 (12:47 pm)

Everyone is doing the best they can! One thing that came to mind as my kiddo was in a “room” full of kids being disruptive (essentially being kids) is the same disruptions happen in an in-person environment except us parents are not there to witness it. I have to hand it to the teachers for adapting and I ask that parents offer the same grace. I have so much empathy for teachers learning a new technology and a new learning environment. It’s the first day folks. Let’s be supportive as all get out for the safety and kindness of others. If we as parents can teach our kids empathy and patience, they are learning an essential skill in which to navigate this world. Adapting to change is also an important skill.

Absolutely September 4, 2020 (4:12 pm)

This is the attitude parents should have
The wheels on the bus September 4, 2020 (6:43 pm)

‘Let’s be supportive as all get out for the safety and kindness of others. If we as parents can teach our kids empathy and patience, they are learning an essential skill in which to navigate this world. Adapting to change is also an important skill.’

👍

Best comment

WS Resident September 4, 2020 (12:54 pm)

“We are currently experiencing slow internet and learning platform access due to the high volume of traffic this morning. This has resulted in disruption of service on district issued laptops. Our technology teams are actively working the issues. We will update this alert when we have a resolution.” This sounds like SPS and the IT department didn’t plan this good at all… 47,000 students are accessing their respective school’s website for schoology and MSFT teams/Zoom and SPS is acting like they didn’t anticipate or even prepare for this. My sister barely started her first day of junior and was already stressed because SPS did a very poor job of planning for tech issues. Don’t get me wrong, I 100% support remote learning until we have a vaccine but you should clearly be aware that service disruptions will happen when a website sees high traffic and to plan accordingly.

Gatewood Parent September 4, 2020 (3:28 pm)

Totally agree with the notion that there should have been an expectation of high traffic on the sites today. Hello?!? This can’t be a surprise. So where was the back-up plan?We used the school laptop and my 3rd grader, who was dressed up for her first day, missed most of her first day of school as we tried to reboot and fix the problems. My husband had to get off a work call because I was having no luck. My daughter wandered off to her room. It was horribly stressful.We reconnected her for the fourth time for the last 30 seconds of the meeting and she was calling out, “Help! I don’t know what’s happening!” as everyone was saying bye. It was crushing.Response from our school’s vice principal was to follow the standard list of resources, including calling the tech line. Guess she wasn’t aware of the complete system meltdown.

SLJ September 4, 2020 (1:19 pm)

Thanks to everyone who has worked so hard to get this year started. It’s not perfect, but the situation this year is unprecedented. I appreciate all the teachers, administrators and staff who are doing everything they can for the kids.
And wear a mask, stay away from crowds, and wash your hands. Until there’s a vaccine, that’s the fastest way out of this.

WS MOM September 4, 2020 (1:40 pm)

We too had connection issues on our end and it caused a lot of stress this morning. The ‘no internet connection’ message on the SPS-issued devices led us all to believe that it was an issue on our end. We determined it was not and were fortunate enough to have alternate devices so my kids could join their classes.

I feel horrible for the many, many kids that were not able to get into their classroom sessions today, regardless of how casual the meetings were. I know so many kids were looking forward to this unconventional ‘First Day of School’ and to not be able to participate is heartbreaking.

I know that SPS did what they were able to and stuff happens. However, I saw first-hand the stress my kids were having at the thought of not being able to get in. I can’t even begin to imagine how upset they would have been if they were not able to participate today. They were truly looking forward to some level of normalcy today and I’m glad that they were able to get that.

Our Madison Middle School ‘WEB’ invitation was sent out with a link to SPAM, the WSHS Orientation email that went out to all families had the incorrect LINK attached and now this connection issue this morning. Come on SPS, I know it’s challenging but we’ve got to do better for our kids’ sake!

Max September 4, 2020 (1:42 pm)

Yes thank you teachers and staff. Appreciate all the hard work you all are doing to continue to teach our kids. Love and respect, and to all the parents out there as well!

boocovid September 4, 2020 (1:55 pm)

Parent of a SPS 3rd grader. I 100% agree with Skeeter’s comment.

Belivdear September 4, 2020 (2:22 pm)

Thank you, Madison and Genesee Hill teachers and staff! We’re all in this together.

M. September 4, 2020 (3:19 pm)

I can already tell this is going to be a very stressful year. Not looking forward to it.

SeattleTeacher September 4, 2020 (3:21 pm)

High School Teacher here. It warms my heart to see such positivity from everyone! We have been working so hard to get our virtual classrooms ready. I had a really good time today with my new students. They were clever, kind, patient, funny, eager and polite. This is absolutely not ideal and not familiar (dare I call it novel?), but I can see the potential for wonderful things this fall.

School daze September 4, 2020 (4:39 pm)

We had all sorts of troubles (parents of 5th grader/7th grader) with district issued equipment. SPS teachers and staff were amazing and supportive. They deserve a nice big drink tonight! I wish the district had sent out a message as soon the trouble was identified as the “no internet connection” message meant I spent the first part of my work day rebooting the computer and assuming it was a home connection problem. The first indication we had that it was a larger problem was an email at 11:06 am and by then we missed most of the scheduled day (which ended before noon). Next week will go better I am certain and by the end of this the kids will be tech geniuses .

The wheels on the bus September 4, 2020 (6:48 pm)

Have any parents decided to go a homeschooling route, due to a parent being home, or for any other reasons? Just wondering.

Krs September 4, 2020 (11:12 pm)

We have decided to give SPS a try, but if we have more stressful days than not, we will be homeschooling. I am a bit nervous to bite off more than I can chew, but education is extremely important to me and I want to ensure my kid isn’t falling behind and missing essentially two years of schools due to Covid. Plus, I think he may actually like homeschooling better.
- The wheels on the bus September 5, 2020 (11:23 am)
  
  Nice, sounds like you have a good plan, thanks for sharing.
  
  With education being important to you and your intuition that maybe it would be preferred or benefit your son… and with the healthy concerns about taking on the challenge of it, I would bet you could figure it out and find your way with it. :)
  
  I’m sure there are many resources out there to help. And, I think it could be such a rich experience. Aside from the standards that need to be met, a parent can tailor much of their home schooling program. I recognize not everyone would enjoy taking this on, but for those parents who would, I think, how cool.
  
  Making sure kids get plenty of social opportunities outside of homeschooling though is probably important. I can think of ways to meet this though… camps, volunteering, rec sports and activities, religious/spiritual community, etc.

Beetle September 4, 2020 (9:24 pm)

Definitely, we are homeschooling, we plan to start next week. We are, of course, very fortunate that I can stay home and do this for our son. It is going to be interesting for sure, and take a lot of discipline on my part as Mom and his part as student, but the fact it is our own schedule, will make it worth it. Remote learning through SPS was so stressful in the spring because of technical issues and scheduling. Re-creating the school day at home did not work for us. My son is a happy and stress-free 8th grader and is actually looking forward to homeschool, and that is saying something! I feel so bad for all the teenagers out there that are so stressed over all this. Washington state homeschooling guidelines are very easy to follow. I sent an email to the principal just to let them know and filled out the Declaration of Intent to Homeschool form and sent it to the superintendent. It all went through without a hitch. I bought a traditional curriculum to follow as I haven’t done it before, but we can tweek it any way we like. I even spoke with a councilor from WSHS in case we go back to public school for 9th grade and they were very helpful, no worries, but if this works for us we will keep doing it.

The wheels on the bus September 4, 2020 (9:46 pm)

Very cool, thanks for sharing, and best of luck.

If it was workable for my family, I would explore this as well. I think keeping family close and safe and reducing stress where we can during this time is really important.

Thank you to the teachers and schools trying to figure this out and doing their best in these difficult times. Even though there will be some kinks and challenges, there is still much to appreciate.
- Jimmy September 6, 2020 (1:47 am)
  
  How do you think a teacher feels when the Internet goes down? Many teachers have been in meeting with parents and other teachers when their internet has stopped working. Many teachers internet has gone down in the middle of teaching.Teachers are in the same boat students and parents are also in.

MAS September 5, 2020 (10:01 am)

Regarding the questions about how in-person reopening is going, there are certainly signs that it’s not going well.Georgia hasn’t exactly shown any signs of trying to address the problem with science backed decisions, but 1200 kids quarantined one day after re-opening feels like a problem.

randy September 5, 2020 (3:20 pm)

I began to read the Bible for answers, it seems that many don’t have an clue.

zark00 September 6, 2020 (2:55 pm)

Day one was a failure by SPS’s own standard for inclusiveness. They knew how many kids would be signing on, they failed to plan adequately for it, and left kids out of the first day of school because of it. SPS failed. You can praise them for trying hard I suppose, but they objectively failed to achieve their most important goal. This does not bode well for the 2020-2021 school year.

Sorry, comment time is over.